Abstract:
Past studies have showed mixed evidence regarding the effects of load carriage on stride length. Some studies have observed a decrease while others noticed no change in average stride length. Past studies have also been inconsistent with the usage of hip straps that are meant to transfer weight onto the larger muscles groups of the legs, which might lower metabolic cost. Our experiment considers both flat and inclined surfaces when determining whether backpack loads and the usage of hip and chest straps affect a walker's step length and post-exercise heartrate. The degree of increase of the post-exercise heartrate from the resting heartrate was used as a measure for fatigue in the subjects. Sixteen college students underwent eight walking trials on a treadmill on which the speed and distance traveled was fixed. Our data indicates that load carriage decreases average step length when the walker is on an inclined surface, but not on a flat surface. In addition, we found that load carrying, regardless of whether hip and chest straps are used, results in a greater increase in heartrate, both on a flat and inclined surface. Hip and chest straps used with loads are found to result in a lower increase in heartrate on flat surfaces, indicating a possible metabolic benefit of its usage.
Introduction:
Walking is a daily activity that is carried out without much thinking. In addition, people often carry loads to transport items to where they need to go. One of the most efficient ways of transporting objects is by carrying them in a backpack. A wide variety of packs are available, one of which is the widely used backpack with two straps that go over the shoulders, popular because of the stability they give th...
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The Queens College/McArdle Step Test, the Rockport One Mile Walk Test, and the 1.5 Mile Run Test are three different field tests that were performed in this lab that were used to measure and predict an individual’s aerobic capacity. The measurement of aerobic capacity, or VO2 max, is a valid way to assess an individual’s cardiorespiratory fitness level. VO2 max refers to the maximal amount of oxygen an individual utilizes during intensive exercise. A higher VO2 max demonstrates a more efficient cardiorespiratory system as an individual with a higher VO2 max can sustain a higher intensity for a longer
The step test was conducted in the lab room. The first participant measured her pulse rate for 30 seconds before starting the exercise. Her pulse rate was calculated to determine the number of beats per minute. She then stepped on the platform (up and down) and continued at a...
This lab experiment was conducted in a Texas Woman’s University exercise physiology lab room, on September 20, 2013. It consisted of two main participants: A trained participant (Male; 30 years old; 72 in. tall; 82.9 kg) and an untrained participant (Female; 20 years old; 65 in. tall; 75 kg). They were selected by my Prof. April Hartman to participate because they were best qualified to conduct the study in our class. Both participants were assigned to carry out the same experimental task. The Bruce Protocol (graded test) on a treadmill (mode of exercise) was used to conduct the VO2max test. The materials needed were: 1 metabolic cart (with computers); 2 mouthpieces; 1 nose clip; 1 treadmill; 1 RPE scale; 1 timer; pen; paper; and a HR monitor.
What is Biomechanics? It is the study of forces and their effects on the living system (McGinnis, 2013). In this essay, I will be looking at the biomechanics of running. Running, as well as any other sport requires skills for which advancement is due to consistent deliberate practice and effective development. However, runners should establish a training system that actively builds their original running pattern instead of basing it on what works well for others. Understanding the biomechanics of running gives a better knowledge of their running techniques and points out areas of concerns that require improvement. Despite the fact that running is dependent on the interaction of the whole body, breaking down the running pace into single components allows us to further understand how minor changes can increase improve performance and decrease injury risk.
Over a three week period a test subject was instructed to come to the exercise physiology lab once a week. The purpose of the first week was to determine the baseline test data for the participant. During this first week, the subject was asked how many hours of sleep they had gotten the night before and how much they weighed. The subject was then instructed to put on a heart monitor and wear an O2 apparatus and begin running on a treadmill. This treadmill was set at zero incline for the beginning of the run until three minutes had passed. At the three minute mark the incline increased by 2.5%. After this the incline was continuously increased by 2.5% every two minutes. During this process, the VO2 and RER exchange rate of the subject was being tracked through the O2 apparatus. Their heart rate was recorded every 15 seconds. In addition, the subject was asked their perceived exertion at every increase in incline. The subject continued to run until they could not run anymore, at this time they would hop off the treadmill.
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Looking at the anthropometric measures I am below average in weight category and above average in height which is important features for a tennis player. Another important aspect for a tennis player is arm span which is 2 centimeters below my height but still quite large compared to the average and that helps to cover the tennis court more effectively when playing a tennis match. However, one of the most important factors while playing tennis is endurance because sometimes tennis match can last up to three hours or even longer. Therefore, when I was performing cardiovascular assessment and used Bruce Treadmill Test, I was able to last 15 minutes on the treadmill without stopping. When the test was finished, the test administrators calculated my VO2 max which was 55.05 ml/kg/min. That type of score puts me in the “superior” category and this is really important test for tennis players which I probably will use in the future for my tennis players when I will become a tennis coach. Other tests which also put me in the “above average” or “superior” category were flexibility sit-and-reach tests. This is also an important aspect for a tennis player since being flexible helps to avoid injuries while participating in practices or tennis
In order to fully understand the impact and effect of overtraining, defining and establishing the difference of what overtraining is from other conditions, such as overreaching, is necessary. Overtraining is defined as the accumulation of both training and non-training stresses producing a long-term effect on the athlete’s performance capacity, with or without physical and psychological overtraining signs and symptoms in which recovery of the performance capacity will take weeks to months (Halson, 2004 p. 969). Overreaching, however, is defined by the accumulation of training and non-training stresses with a short-term effect on the a...
Gravity affects every aspect of our lives, and it plays a big role in mountain biking, especially when it come to hills. Whenever you pe...
Every human being is very different and has special characteristics. Their physical characteristics and how they present themselves show their personality. No one is identical to another. Walking is something most humans are taught at a young age. Although we are basically all taught same way, we each have such a unique walk. A person’s walk can also change over time due to age and posture. How would you describe your walk? Do you think your walk represents your personality?
Over the past century we have become increasingly sedentary due to the technical advancements of today's world. Ironically, while machines and improvements in transportation and communication have made our lives easier, studies show that the decline in our physical activity associated with these advancements plays a large role in the decline of our health.
A recent study that was done showed no significant difference in peak plantar pressures, pressure-time integral and peak pressure distribution for concrete, synthetic, grass, and normal treadmill surfaces. 1 Plantar pressure is known
Take brisk 30 to 40 minute walks at least three days a week. Aerobic walking increases the efficiency of your heart and lungs, lowers blood pressure and resting heart rate, relieves stress, raises metabolism, improves muscle tone, and improves the health of the bones. If your pace is too slow, however, you will not get the aerobic benefits.
walking so that you can keep your muscles strong, but you must walk carefully so that you don’t hurt